The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of case documents associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. The president stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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